New Summer Tour/River Cruise/Lunch at Ford Winter Estates
Did you know that Thomas Edison loved the Caloosahatchee River so much that this is where he built his winter estate in 1886? Years later, his good friend Henry Ford, bought the property next door. If you haven't toured these estates yet, I’ve just learned about a new and unique tour offered this summer at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers . The new“Tour, Lunch, & River Cruise” starts with an audio tour of the historic homes, beautiful gardens, museum and the lab. Next, step aboard a comfortable vessel and cruise the Caloosahatchee River. As you make your way along the river, you’ll learn more about these great inventors as well as the river itself. A buffet lunch at the private Royal Palm Yacht Club awaits, overlook the Caloosahatchee River, of course. Prices: Adults are $45; children 12 and under are $35. You can make your reservations by calling 239-334-7419. I'd recommend this for families with kids ages 8 and up. The Edison Ford is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The last guided tour starts at 4 p.m.
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New Summer Tour/River Cruise/Lunch at Ford Winter Estates
We are a family of Star Wars fans so we get a little excited about Disney's Star Wars Weekends . You will too when you realize how much fun it is! You can find the Force at Disney's Hollywood Studios for four consecutive weekends from May 18 to June 10, 2012 and each weekend a different celebrity will be on hand for special appearances, parades and autograph sessions. Of course, you'll also see your favorite Star Wars characters like Chewbacca, Queen Amidala, Darth Vader, C3P0 and R2D2 – to name a few. Storm troopers take to the streets, kids can learn Jedi skills in Jedi training…you can even make a custom lightsaber! New this year is the Carbon Freeze-Me experience. Star Wars fans know what this is about, the famous scene in Empire Strikes Back? Well, your face can be the one in the carbon through way cool technology and lots of cameras – and you can have this lifetime souvenir shipped to your door! Check out the link to read more about it and how to make a reservation. So dig out your Star Wars shirts, bring your camera and your autograph book and jet over to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Go you must! There is no try…! 
There are so many summer camps throughout Florida, this is just a sampling of the many kinds, from Art to Zoo! Don't wait to register as many camps fill up fast. Camp Create at Museum of Florida Art, Deland Kids enjoy artistic journeys at this camp for creative minds , for ages 4 to 16. The dates are June 18-August 3, 2012 and you can register online or log on for more information. Surf Into Summer camp, Jacksonville Learn to surf and have a blast with other campers learning beach and water safety, paddling and more. Surf into summer also offers overnight camps, advanced camps and private lessons. Camp begins June 4, 2012. Orlando Magic Basketball Camp There are several basketball camps you can choose from: boys, girls, overnight and mini-camp for little ones. Here is the link to learn about each program. Summer Camp at The Deering Estate, Miami There are five, ten-day sessions from June 11 to August 17th and ages 6 to 15 are invited to attend. There will be a different theme every week. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Log on to www.deeringestate.org for registration. Camp o’ the Pines, Pensacola Voted best camp in Pensacola, this spiritual retreat/overnight camp for ages 8-14 offers endless activities and well-balanced meals. Four weekly sessions are available from June 17 through July 21, 2012. Nature Academy, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park There will be two weeklong programs, one in June and one in July. June’s Nature Academy is for ages 8 – 9 and July’s program is for ages 10 – 12. Each program is four, half-day sessions from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with the Friday session starting at 4 p.m. with an overnight stay in the park. Call 352-628-1508. Pigeon Key Marine Summer Camp, Lower Florida Keys This is an exciting learning opportunity for kids 8 and up that includes workshops on marine mammals, reef fish, coral reef systems and more. Kids can even get scuba certified! Camp runs July 9-13 and July 30 through August 3 – choose day camp or overnight camp. To register, visit pigeonkey.net , call Ananda Ellis at 303-564-8014 or e-mail pigeonkeyed@aol.com. Slots fill fast. ARTScool with Naples Art Association Interns, ages 15-17 are needed at ARTScool in Naples! Teens can get their volunteer hours this summer by helping out during two of the 8-week art camps. Hours for interns are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If interested, you can send an email to callie.spilane@naplesart.org or call 239-262-6517, ext.110. Also, they are now taking registration for campers for ages 5-14 at ARTScool. They offer more than 50 different classes from clay making to hip hop dance and kids can choose which ones they want. Dates are June 11-August 10 and it will be held at The von Liebig Art Center in downtown Naples. Full details are available online or call Callie Spilane at 239-262-6517, ext. 110. Atlantic Center for the Arts Summer Art Camp, New Smyrna Beach This is a weekly art camp for ages 6-12 at ACA’s Community Arts Center at Harris House. The nine-week program runs June 19-August 10. Go for a week or go all summer! Explore art and culture in a very fun way. Call 386-427-6975. Zoo Camp at Zoo Miami Kids ages 4 to 13 will enjoy special animal encounters, crafts and educational fun all day long. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off at 8:30. Dates are June 18-August 10, 2012. Visit them online for more info or call 305-255-5551. 
Are you ready to make a splash? LEGOLAND
Universal Orlando Resort has two new ways to entertain you: a Superstar Parade and a new lagoon show called, “Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories.” Universal’s Superstar Parade Universal’s Superstar Parade is one of the largest entertainment experiences the theme park has ever created. There are amazingly colorful (and huge!) floats, hundreds of performers and the music will have you dancing right along with them. The parade will make its way through the streets of Universal Studios every day. We viewed it at 5 p.m. ( A good spot for viewing is at Scwab’s, near Terminator 3-D!) Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories This new show is held at the lagoon in Universal Studios and is a tribute to their 100 years of filmmaking history. You’ll watch crystal clear images show on a huge screen as colorful fountains explode as well as fireworks. That alone is pretty darn impressive, but add in music and the unmistakable narration by Morgan Freeman, and this is a must-see. While you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resorts, you might want to check out the newly enhanced Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk and whatever you do, don’t miss the high-tech re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This ride is out of control, crazy good! And the all new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction opens this summer. We all can't wait for that. It’s definitely the “Year To Be Here!” Learn more at www.universalorlando.com . 
This weekend in Gainesville you and your family can enjoy two days of Southern rock and fantastic food at the Santa Fe College Boots 'n BBQ Festival . It will be held at the Bradford County Fairgrounds and the dates are Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, 2012. Friday's music fest begins at 5 p.m. and several bands from around the state will play, including Jacksonville's own, Molly Hatchet (Flirting with Disaster, Gator Country, Dreams…) great southern rock! Throughout the night, you can feast on BBQ, fried gator, funnel cakes, kettle corn and plenty more festival favorites. On Saturday, gates open 9 a.m. with family entertainment, a kiddie arcade, arts and crafts, face painting – it’s an entire day of family fun. Bring on the Food Come hungry and feed often on great southern cookin' including Florida seafood, wonderful desserts like homemade cake by the slice, boiled peanuts, and fresh squeezed lemonade. New this year is the children's book festival. There will be authors on hand, book giveaways and one author in particular is sure to draw lots of attention. Carl Joseph was born with only one leg and yet became a sports hall of famer. His story, “Some Called Me Superstar,” has been published by Gainesville's Wild Onion Press. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine. Friday admission is $15. Saturday admission is only $5 and children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free. Weekend camping is available, too. You can purchase admission tickets and camping tickets now at bootsnbbq.com . Hope you can make it! 
Next holiday on the calendar (and coming up fast!) is Memorial Day Weekend. If you haven’t thought about where to go, here is a great suggestion – the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort . It’s the perfect place to kick off your summer! This resort is a family favorite and they have lots of events planned beginning with live music on Friday night, May 26th, 2012. And there is so much to do here for all ages from just relaxing on the white sugar sand beaches to riding bikes and tennis to fishing (and golf, shopping, kayaking…). You also have a huge choice of accommodation options – beachside, lakeside, bayside or right in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. I love the space these units provide and having a kitchen is a real money saver. On Monday, May 28, the Village will host a Memorial Day program right before sunset, presented by Sandestin veterans, including a special brass band performance by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. For more details, visit www.sandestin.com/events. Great Memorial Day Deal If you book in the next 48 hours, you can take advantage of their Free Memorial Weekend Day with the purchase of three nights. Mention code: SALUTE. Restrictions apply. Book online or call 800-622-1038. Have fun! 
